Contentious Construction Associate​/Senior Associate​/Managing Associate o

Contentious Construction Associate / Senior Associate/ Managing Associate - Leeds, Nottingham or Birmingham

About The Team

UK Top 50 Law firm, Freeths LLP’s national Construction & Engineering team covers all aspects of the built environment and process plant, from infrastructure to commercial and residential buildings, offices, retail, logistics and production facilities. We are a specialist team of 28 construction and engineering law specialists who cover both the “front end” of projects—drafting and negotiating documents—and the disputes that can arise on construction projects, whether via negotiation and settlement or more formal dispute resolution procedure.

Our clients are some of the best‑known names in the construction & engineering industry and we have an excellent reputation across the UK. We act for public and private sector employers, contractors, funds, consultants and sub‑contractors.

About The Role

We are seeking contentious construction lawyers to ideally join our Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Bristol or Sheffield offices. If you are more experienced then we would consider you being based from any of our 13 offices. The team undertakes a broad range of challenging contentious work across the industry. You will be working within a friendly, supportive and experienced team of contentious construction lawyers on a wide variety of cases, including adjudication and TCC.

Depending on previous experience you will have the opportunity to manage your own caseload and assist the national team on larger matters. The nature of the work is fast‑paced. Our clients’ experience and commercial interests are paramount and you must possess and demonstrate an enthusiasm, energy and passion for construction law, have exceptionally strong communication skills and work well in a team.

The team takes a holistic approach to their work, offering a corporate level of service with a personal touch. There are excellent opportunities for progression and you will be encouraged to be actively involved in business development and client management. Applications are invited from lawyers who have trained and qualified with a recognised construction team and have experience of contentious construction work or a mix of contentious and advisory work.

Ideally you will have 1–8 years PQE, however, we encourage applications from all levels as the team is very much in growth mode.

Key Responsibilities

• To work to a consistently high level and provide exemplary client service and care.
• Competent financial management and commercial awareness, including accurate time recording, billing, achievement of firm‑delivered targets and management of WIP.
• To contribute actively toward business development opportunities to ensure the retention of existing clients and expansion of business.
• To ensure at all times that you maintain up‑to‑date technical expertise.
• To be accountable for your own personal development and to continuously develop interpersonal and soft skills.
• To be competent at all times in accordance with the SRA competence standards.
• To carry out any other such reasonable tasks that may be required from time to time.

Your Skills and Qualifications

• Have directly relevant previous experience and the correct level of post‑qualified experience for the role.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of the industry and the client’s business.
• A proven track record of competent financial management, ability to meet client expectations and sound case‑management skills.
• Good IT skills, experience and confidence with case‑management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages.
• A self‑starting, friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values.

Be part of the team at Freeths

Do we sound like a match? If you’re someone who cares deeply, communicates openly and collaborates effectively, then we’d love to have you join our diverse, inclusive team.